We had to go back to Iceland and redeem ourselves since we got caught in a full on blizzard when we visited in February. We had an 8 hour layover on Wow air (no longer in business) at the tail end of our Amsterdam trip. Our bags were checked all the through so we packed swimwear in our carry-on luggage. Since we didn't have a lot of time we decided to hit the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spas as it's only 15 km (about 20 minutes) from the Keflavík International Airport. It also happens to be one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. We arranged a private door to door driver to ensure we could maximize our time relaxing. He was waiting for us right outside the baggage claim door with a sign. We pilled in the heated van and headed to our destination.
A few things to know about booking the Blue Lagoon. You can't just show up and think you are going to get in. You must reserve your time slot by the hour. I'd recommend booking at least 1-2 months in advance especially during peak seasons.
What is this place exactly?
An otherworldly wonder in the heart of a volcanic landscape. The spa is located in a lava field near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, in a location favorable for geothermal power, and is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station. The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 37–39 °C (99–102 °F). The Blue Lagoon also operates a research and development facility to help find cures for other skin ailments using the mineral-rich water. The lagoon is a man-made lagoon which is fed by the water output of the nearby geothermal power plant Svartsengi and is renewed every two days. It is the largest in the world. Superheated water is vented from the ground near a lava flow and used to run turbines that generate electricity.
For the best spa experience we recommend the premium package which includes a bath robe, towel, slippers, 2 face masks (silica, algae or lava available), a complimentary drink and reservations at the Lava Restaurant. I'll tell you why those reservations were so important a bit later. We floated around and explored the different sections of the lagoon for hours while chatting with other visitors.
Nothing like a great meal after working up an appetite swimming around the lagoon. We received notification from WOW air that there will not be a meal served on the flight so this dinner meant a lot to us. Built into an 800-year-old lava cliff on the west bank of the Blue Lagoon, Lava Restaurant is a place where dynamic cuisine and enchanting design create unforgettable culinary experiences. You can dine in your bathrobe and slippers overlooking other bathers as you indulge in fine dining.
This mission was a complete success! So glad we got to enjoy Iceland for a short while without the frost on our faces. Go back to our Bipolar Iceland Post -February to see the differences in weather conditions & landscapes.
Lesson Learned:
I was so relaxed after leaving the Blue Lagoon that my airport security process was altered. Left my Macbook and Ipad right in the bin on the security belt. Didn't think about it until I was already boarded and couldn't leave the aircraft. Once landed, I sent an email to the Icelandic airport lost and found. They recovered it with no problem and mailed it back for a small fee. However, shipping took FOREVER (2 weeks)...Buuut...at least it came back in perfect condition. So double and triple check your belongings anytime you go through security. Out of 11 years of travel, this is the first time this has happened. The Blue Lagoon got me!!! ! Contact us to start planning your trip to Iceland, there's so much more to explore. Hope to see you on one of our upcoming group trips! Cheers to great travels!
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